Who needs an HSE course for managers?
All businesses in Norway are legally required to complete an HSE course for their top manager. This applies regardless of industry, company size, or number of employees. The requirement is stipulated in the Working Environment Act § 3-5, and it cannot be delegated – it is the top manager's duty to complete the training.
In practice, this means that the CEO, Chairman of the Board, or the person with overall operational responsibility must take the course. If the company gets a new manager, the new manager must also complete the course. There are no exceptions to this requirement, and the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority can issue orders and fines if the course is not completed.
Legal Requirement – Working Environment Act § 3-5
The Working Environment Act § 3-5 states that "the employer shall undergo training in health, environment, and safety work". The wording is clear: it is the employer themselves who must take the course, not an employee on behalf of the management.
Important points from the legislation:
- The course can not be delegated to the HSE manager or safety representative
- The requirement also applies to sole proprietorships with employees
- There is no time limit on the validity of the course – but it is recommended to update knowledge regularly
- The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority can request documentation of completed courses during inspections
In addition, the Internal Control Regulations require the company to have systematic HSE work. The HSE course for managers provides the basis for understanding and fulfilling these requirements.
What does the HSE course for managers contain?
A good HSE course for managers covers all the key areas a manager needs knowledge about to conduct sound HSE work in the company. The course at Komplett HMS includes, among other things:
- The Working Environment Act – rights and duties for employers and employees
- The Internal Control Regulations – requirements for systematic HSE work
- Risk assessment – how to identify and manage hazards in the workplace
- Working environment – physical, psychosocial, and organizational working environment
- Deviation management – reporting and follow-up of deviations
- HSE organization – roles and responsibilities in HSE work
- Safety representative and AMU – collaboration with employee representatives
After completing the course, you will receive a course certificate documenting that you have fulfilled the requirement in the Working Environment Act § 3-5. This course certificate has no expiration date, but it is recommended to retake the course if a long time has passed or regulations have changed significantly.
Validity and Duration
The HSE course for managers has no formal expiration date. Once you have completed the course, the legal requirement is met. Nevertheless, both the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority and industry organizations recommend that managers update their knowledge regularly, typically every 3–5 years.
The course at Komplett HMS is online and normally takes 4–6 hours to complete. You can complete the course at your own pace and take breaks whenever you wish. There is no deadline for completion – you get access to the course material and can work on it when it suits you.
Online HSE Course vs. Classroom Training
Both online and classroom-based HSE courses meet the legal requirement in the Working Environment Act § 3-5. There is no difference in the validity of the course certificate – both are equally valid in the eyes of the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority.
The advantages of an online HSE course are many:
- Flexibility – complete the course anytime, anywhere
- No travel time – save time and costs on travel and accommodation
- Own pace – take breaks and continue where you left off
- Lower price – online courses are significantly cheaper than classroom training
- Available in multiple languages – the course is available in Norwegian, English, Polish, Albanian, Lithuanian, Russian, and Romanian
Classroom training can be a good alternative for those who prefer physical presence and direct contact with the instructor. But for most managers in the construction industry, where time pressure is a part of everyday life, an online course makes the most sense.
How much does an HSE course for managers cost?
The price of HSE courses for managers varies significantly among different providers. Classroom-based courses typically cost 3,000 – 6,000 NOK, while online courses range between 800 – 2,500 NOK.
At Komplett HMS, you get an HSE course for managers for only 890 NOK excl. VAT. This is among the lowest prices on the market for a complete, approved HSE course that meets all legal requirements. The price includes course materials, unlimited access to the course, and a course certificate upon completion.
Order HSE course for managers here – from only 890 NOK excl. VAT
Related articles
Read more about HSE requirements and training:
- HSE course for managers – Everything you need to know in 2026
- Who needs an HSE course?
- The Internal Control Regulations – Everything your company needs to know
- Advantages of a digital HSE course
Order your HSE course for managers today
Fulfill the legal requirement in the Working Environment Act § 3-5 easily and affordably. The HSE course for managers at Komplett HMS is online, available in 7 languages, and costs only 890 NOK excl. VAT. You receive your course certificate immediately after successful completion.